Any narrative of the contemporary American residential market that neglects the continued proliferation of sprawl fails to describe the complex preferences of the public.
Environmentalists and urbanists concerned with the environmental, social, and economic impacts of sprawling have lots of reasons to be comforted by recent trends toward the city and away from post-war suburban models. According to an article by Kaid Benfield, however, the housing market is far more complex than a one-way shift toward urban living. His conclusion: "let's not pronounce sprawl dead just yet."
As for the larger implications of that conclusion, Benfield adds: "Mostly, I am struck by what seems to be a growing divide, as seems to be the case with so much of American life. Home sizes are increasing, but so are sales of micro apartments. Sprawl continues, but so does revitalization. Environmentalists should take all especially rosy – as well as all especially dire – predictions with appropriate caution."
FULL STORY: Let's Not Pronounce Sprawl Dead Just Yet
Majority of Americans Prefer Larger Homes and Longer Trips, Survey Says
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Public Perceptions of Sprawl and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Urban density has a bad reputation.
The Villages and the Dangers of Holding Too Tightly to the Past
Some parts of The Villages, Florida, the nation's largest retirement community and one of its most popular master planned communities, bear a striking resemblance to the neotraditional development favored by famous early examples of New Urbanism.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
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HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
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Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
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Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?
Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.
Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.
Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California
California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.
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